Dying Lightat this point is a gift that keeps on giving. The introduction of the newDying Light: Platinum Editionmade specifically for the Nintendo Switch further solidifies the game’s legendary status— one that revived a dying genre. Being a Switch game, it takes full advantage of the handheld tech like gyro aiming (in case one’s being too careful with their analog sticks) and touchscreen.
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Those features only scratch the surface of what makes the game so great. There’s a deeper layer of craftsmanship to appreciate in this rather generouszombie game title. So in case Switch owners are still on the fence about trying it out, these qualities that the community generally loves aboutDying Lightought to show some potential players the light.
10Decent Graphics
There’s a lot to be said for a game that remains popular despite being seven years old.Dying Light’s graphics still hold up welleven when compared to today’s titles. Granted, there aren’t manyzombie gameswith outstanding graphics (aside fromDays Gone), butDying Lightat times, can still be a feast for the eyes.
The level of detail inits open worldlends much to the immersive atmosphere. It’s not just the visuals that make the graphics competent here but also the physics system.A surprising number of buildings and props are interactive; players can easily sense that the developers didn’t skimp out on that department. The best part is that the game engine is well optimized. Getting ported to the Switch is evidence enough.
9The Parkour
A huge part of what makesDying Light’s graphicslook prettier than they really are is thanks to the subtle contributions of the parkour system. Often, players will be clinging to individual building components such as pipes, nooks, and wall indentations so those have to be well detailed.
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Moreover, the parkour simply makes movement a joy inDying Light. Fast travel can be conservative but players won’t find that too daunting since they can prettymuch move like a webless Spider-ManaroundDying Light’s barren city playground. We’ll even go as far as to say thatDying Light’s parkour is on par withAssassin’s Creed’s.
8Emotional Story
It’s a zombie survival game so an emotional story is almost a low-hanging fruit inDying Light. There are moments when its story can get too predictable or even generic but one has to give it praise for how it handles character development and emotional surprises.
There’sone particularly heart-breaking story moment in the gamethat will change how players feel as they progress. In any case, players will certainly feel howCrane’s mission becomes more and more personalas they start investing their emotions and concern.
7Story Mode Co-Op
If story or campaign mode starts getting too generic, players can simply hop on the multiplayer session or invite their friends over. What makes it more appealing inDying Lightis that there’sno need for clunky lobbies. Simply press a few buttons and other players or friends can join the session.
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Thisseamless multiplayer integrationis something other developers wish their game had. As for the co-op? It’s a blast. Thanks to the physics and parkour system, playing with others can result in either hilarious slapstick shenanigans or a nerve-wracking survival run.
6Night Phase
Speaking of nerve-wracking,Dying Lightwill immediately seem less like a horror game after a few hours so the developers put a reminder that players should take it more seriously. They included a Night Mode where once the sun goes down, the zombies start foaming in the mouth a lot more.
Out will comespecial zombiestoo which are deadlier, tougher, faster, and hungrier than the usual ones. At this point,players will be forced into stealth gameplayif they want to survive or memorize the city well enough to outrun their pursuers. It’s the most immersive aspect of the game as it reinforces just how dangerous zombies can be in the right setting.
5ARPG Loot Mechanics
Weapons inDying Lighthave a way to keep players hooked on collecting. That’s because the weapons have varying stats. The crafted melee weapons and even the ones found lying about don’t deal the same damage and do not swing at the same speed. This puts an ARPG-type loot element to the game.
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Once players get to the second area where they finally get access to guns, theguns also have varying stats— even those that share the same model. Thus, players would do well tokeep an eye out for some prized weapons. It’s not on the same level asBorderlandsbut it’s enough to satisfy fans of those kinds of games.
4Satisfying Combat
While on the topic of combat,Dying Light’s zombie mashing and limb-splitting are still the most visceral and most satisfying out there. There’s a stamina meter for melee combat and bullets for ranged, but it’snot as cumbersome or laborious asDays Gone’s fighting system, for a fairer point of comparison.
In fact,Dying Light’s combat is fast-pacedwhere players can jump across roofs acrobatically while slicing off zombie heads with their katana or trading bullets with bandits. For those who love their weapons flashy, players can even customize their weapons with elements such as fire or electricity.
3Gameplay Variety
As mentioned before,Dying Lightalso offers a robust stealth gameplay system where they can try to avoid zombie hordes or patches by sneaking. At night, that becomes mandatory. The base game thus gives players many gameplay opportunities.
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Once they get to the DLC parts, specificallyThe Following, they’ll then berewarded with a buggyso they can turn zombies into roadkill. Across the many area maps, there are also a variety of challenges and side missions available. Heck, there are evenparkour racesfor those looking to improve their agility.
2Lots Of Content
Since we’re talking about thePlatinum Editionhere, there’s no shortage of content to be had. On thebase gamealone, players can expectaround 30 hours of gameplay(including side missions and other activities) from start to finish.
Fire up the DLCs and that easily adds up even more hours. In total,Dying Lighthasfour paid expansions (DLCs), a Season Pass content, 18 paid bundles, and six free bundles. All of that is included in thePlatinum Edition. The replay value is through the roof here.
1Passionate Developers
A lot of game developers these days tend to botch their games post-release where they exhibit a worrying amount of neglect for their title. Such is the case for some zombie games. Thankfully, Techland,Dying Light’s developeris different from the pack.
The numerous expansions, free content, and extra content are strong indicators that they love their game as much as the players do. Some of the players are even pleasantly surprised to see the developers still supporting and continuously improving their old title. That’s a good indication of what the near future holds forDying Light, especially withDying Light 2loomingon the horizon.
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